BOYKIN SPANIEL SOCIETY RETRIEVER FIELD TRIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

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1 BOYKIN SPANIEL SOCIETY RETRIEVER FIELD TRIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 2019 REVISION SECTION A OBJECTIVES 1) The goal of the National Boykin Spaniel Field Trial is to determine the relative merits of the retriever in the field, simulating as nearly as possible the conditions met in a day s shoot. 2) To encourage and promote the breeding of purebred Boykin Spaniels. To do all that is possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection. 3) To protect and advance the interest of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike conduct at field trial tests. 4) To encourage the use of trained Boykin Spaniels while hunting, thereby preserving game. SECTION B GENERAL REGULATIONS, PROCEDURES, AND POLICIES 1) Entry in this sportsmanlike competition is open to any Boykin Spaniels registered with the Boykin Spaniel Society and owned by a BSS member in good standing.. 2) Professionals are allowed to judge at the National as long as they are not judging in a class in which a dog is entered that they have trained in the past year. 3) Professionals may run dogs owned by themselves or others in the Open Class and Intermediate Class. 4) Professionals may handle a maximum of two dogs that they own in the Novice class. The professional must be the original registered owner of the dog and /or have owned the dog for at least one year prior to the National event being entered. A professional may not Handle a dog in the BSS National puppy class. 5) The definition of a Professional for the purposes of the Boykin Spaniel Society will be defined as Anyone who has received any remuneration, however small, for the training of dogs. 6) No bitches in season shall be allowed entry or allowed on the test grounds during the trial. Entry fees will be refunded upon presentation of a veterinary excuse. 7) Dogs entering the test shall not be intentionally introduced to or trained on the announced test grounds for a period of 14 days prior to the scheduled Boykin Spaniel Society National Field Trial date. Dogs entering events sponsored by organizations holding sanctioned or licensed field trial or hunt test events on the announced grounds are exempt from this regulation if said event was scheduled prior to the announced date as published in the Boykin Spaniel Society Newsletter in January of each year, and said organization is recognized by the Board of Directors of the BSS. 8) Four place ribbons, four JAM (Judges Aware of Merit) ribbons may be awarded in each class. Completion ribbons are awarded in the Puppy and Novice classes only. Ties and runoffs are discouraged. Judges may opt to award any combination of placements and/or JAMS on approval by the Field Trial Committee. 9) All tests must be completed (except in runoffs) for a dog to receive any type of ribbon. 10) Judges will report to the field trail grounds on the day prior to the actual start of all tests for test set up and approval. 11) Judges may not run a dog in the National Test. Family members of a Judge may run a dog in the Nationals excluding the class being judged by a family member. 12) Any dog trying to place two or more birds in its mouth on a retrieve may be disqualified. 13) Handlers are allowed to approach the judges only after completion of the awards ceremony to request information on how their dog could have improved its performance. Judges have the right not to comment on 1

2 their results if they so desire. The decision of the judges is final. Judges will not discuss the performance of other dogs with the handler. 14) The Open Class will run in order and all other stakes are to run in order when possible. A system of rotation may be applied. There will be a 15 minute time limit for a handler to get his/her dog to the line after his/her number is called in the Open Class. Marshalls in classes other than Open should be contacted if there is a conflict. Handlers not complying within this time limit will be dropped from further competition with the particular dog in question. The Marshall shall immediately notify the Field Trial committee when a handler is dropped. 15) Handlers are responsible for controlling their dogs at all times. Any dog or handler interfering with the test of another dog may be subject to penalties or disqualification at the judge s discretion. 16) The function of a non-slip retriever is to seek and retrieve fallen game when ordered to do so. The dog should sit quietly on line or in the blind, walk at heel, or assume any position designated by the handler until sent to retrieve. When ordered, a dog should retrieve quickly, briskly and without disturbing too much ground, and should deliver tenderly to hand. The dog should then await further orders. 17) Dogs shall be judged on their natural abilities as well as abilities acquired through training, including steadiness, control, responses to direction and delivery. Dogs should also be judged for their natural abilities, including memory, intelligence, attention, nose, courage, perseverance and style. Dogs will be judge on a 10 point system. 18) A test shall be defined for these purposes as the evaluation of a dog as required by the regulations and procedures and during which the dog is being scored. 19) All tests will be approved by a minimum of two members of the Field Trial committee. 20) There will be a designated area at each event where handlers may air their dogs and practice retrieves. 21) Dogs must be kept on a leash and under control at all times unless the dog is being aired in a designated area. 22) The term dog includes male and female dogs. 23) All the tests shall be judge by a MINIMUM of two judges. a. The judges are representatives of the Boykin Spaniel Society and shall abide by the regulations and procedures for judging field trial tests. b. All tests shall be set up within the prescribed distance and cover limitations of each particular category. c. Duck blinds, numerous decoys, boats, game calls, and other hunting implements shall be utilized when appropriate. d. Judges shall decide on the placement of gunners and bird boys. e. Handlers, bird boys, gunners, judges and others shall be required to wear camouflaged or dark clothing. f. Events shall utilize dead pheasants, pigeons, ducks or other game birds. (exception will be live birds may be used for fly a-ways, shot flyers and flushed birds except where prohibited.) 24) No dog shall be entered or run in any hunting tests, and if brought on the test grounds shall be immediately removed if it shows any symptoms of or is known to have been in contact with any communicable diseases within the 30 days immediately preceding the date of the field trial. 25) Prior to the start of each test, the judges shall explain to the handlers the hunting scenario and the object of each test and expected performance of the dogs. The Boykin Spaniel Society purpose in establishing these regulations and procedures is to discover and reward dogs that can fulfill the hunters needs in the field while performing in a manner consistent with the demands of actual hunting conditions. The purpose is to test the dogs natural as well as trained abilities. 26) Unless otherwise instructed by the judges, dogs should be considered as being tested from the time they are called to come to the line until they have left same and are behind the judges and on lead. 27) A dog is to be released by the handler on the judges command unless otherwise directed by the judges. 28) Moderate voice or whistle commands shall be allowed to steady the dog at the line. However, voice or whistle commands that are excessive in the opinion of the judges shall be marked down. 29) Handling on marks regardless of category, shall be the handlers option but to do so will require a mark down. 30) The judges of a particular category shall have the authority to expel a handler from any further participation in that category if they observe unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the handler or see the handler kicking, striking, or otherwise manhandling a dog while on the field trial grounds. It shall be the duty of the judges to promptly report to the field trial(ft) committee the expulsion of the handler from a category. The FT committee 2

3 may then expel the handler from all other categories at that event if, in the committees opinion, such further action is warranted. Whenever a handler is expelled from a category or from participation at a field trial under this section the dog or dogs that he/she is handling may continue to be tested with another handler. The FT committee shall submit in writing to the BSS board a complete report of any action taken under this section. 31) While on test grounds no handler will use any training aid that might intimidate a dog to include but not limited to : electronic collar, quirt, whip, healing stick, pinch collar or choke collar. 32) Handlers must not allow their dogs to view the test of any class in which their dog is entered prior to coming to the line with said dog. Violation of this section is grounds for elimination. 33) All firearms are assumed to be loaded with live ammunition and must be handled accordingly. The handler must hold the firearm in a safe hunting position. Mishandling of firearms will results in immediate disqualification. It shall be the duty of the judges to promptly report to the field trial committee (FTC) the expulsion of a handler for gun safety. The FTC may then expel the handler from all other categories at that event if in the committee s opinion such further action is warranted. Whenever a handler is expelled from a category or from participation at a field trial under this section, the dog or dogs that he/she is handling may continue to be tested with another handler. The FTC shall submit in writing to the FSS board a complete report of any action taken under this section. 34) Incidents of intentional hard-mouth or stickiness resulting, in the opinion of the judges, in a bird unfit for the table, shall be grounds for failing a test. The dog should pick up a bird tenderly but firmly and without delay. A dog shall be eliminated for had mouth or badly damaged game, but before doing so, both judges should inspect the bird and be satisfied that the dog alone was responsible for the damage. The handler will be notified immediately that the dog has been dropped for hard mouth. Any bird so damaged shall be tagged with flagging tape and removed from the pool of birds. 35) Dogs requiring help from the bird boys shall be disqualified. Stone or object throwing is not allowed. 36) All persons participating in or observing any event are expected to maintain reasonable silence and display good manners. Any person who interferes with the orderly process of any test may be obliged by the judges or the field trial committee to leave the field trial grounds. 37) Handlers shall not point out the location of the gunners and bird boys to the dog prior to the time the first bird is thrown. A violation of this section will result in elimination. (exception: Puppy class) 38) Dogs will be eliminated for unprovoked fighting or attacking handlers, participants, spectators, judges or BSS officers. Dogs that are disqualified under this section must be immediately confined or removed from the field trial grounds. It shall be the duty of the judges to promptly report to the field trial committee the expulsion of a dog from a category. The FT committee may then expel the dog from all other categories at the event if, in the committee s opinion, such further action is warranted. The FT committee shall submit, in writing, to the BSS board a complete report of any action taken under this section. 39) In the Puppy, Novice, Intermediate and Open Class, hidden gunners and bird boys shall be used unless they are at the point of origin. When hidden gunners and bird boys are used, an attention getting shot or shots shall be fired or a game call shall be blown prior to each bird being thrown and additionally, a shot fired when each bird is at the top of its arc. At the discretion of the judges, but no more than once in each event, the gunners may be visible in order to simulate specific situations such as dove hunting. It is the intent of the regulations to provide the dog with adequate opportunity to focus its attention on the area of the fall. 40) A re-cast may be granted if an initial misdirection is taken by a dog and the handler immediately brings the dog back to heel to re-cast. A re-cast shall never be granted to a dog that goes out into the field, establishes a hunt, does not find the bird and returns to its handler. This is grounds for elimination rather than another chance. Recasts are allowed in the Puppy and Novice classes only. 41) A no-bird will be determined solely by the judges of the testing category. E.g. a flyer that is unintentionally missed by the gunners or a bird that sinks during a water test, etc. 42) A re-run may be granted if in the opinion of the judges, an unfair or unforeseen circumstance occurs during the test such as a no bird. It is the option of the handler to re-run immediately or after the next dog. 43) A controlled break occurs as soon as a dog leaves the point of origin and manifests an intent to make the retrieve without being so ordered and is immediately stopped and brought under control. 3

4 44) Creeping should not be considered as a dog manifesting an intent to retrieve. Therefore, creeping shall not be considered a break and the judges shall not instruct the handler to re-heel the dog. However, if the creeping is excessive where it takes the dog out of the area of the point of origin, then it should be considered a controlled break and the handler should be required to control his/her dog. The judges should designate the area of the point of origin and advise the handlers of this designated area before the test begins. 45) Dogs participating in Puppy and Novice classes may wear a flat buckle collar. Choke or slip type collars are not allowed. Dogs participating in the intermediate and open dog categories are not allowed to wear any type of collar. Leash or line dragging in any class is prohibited. The intent of these regulations is to protect the dogs rather than restrict their handlers. 46) Bird boys must use game calls, voice, or blank firearm shots in the field as attention getters prior to marks being thrown, except where otherwise noted in individual classes in these regulations (see rule 39) 47) A five (5) point system shall be in effect for the Novice and Intermediate classes for the 200 Boykin Spaniel Society National Field Trial and all subsequent Boykin Spaniel Society National Field Trials unless such point system is rescinded by the BSS board. Points shall be awarded as follows: 5 points for first place, 4 points for second place, 3 points for third place, 2 points for fourth place and 1 point for JAMS. Any dog that has earned five (5) points in a class will be required to move to the next higher class. 48) Field Trial results for each class are subject to review by the field trial committee. Any errors or omissions deemed material will be reviewed by the field trial committee and acted upon accordingly. The placement of the dogs by the judges is final. The field trial committee will not change the order of placement but does have the authority to effect a tie if deemed necessary to correct any error or omission. 49) The spouse or qualified child of a judge will be allowed to judge as a team. 50) If a dog is unproductive on a retrieve (given any recast allowed) the judges shall instruct the handler to place the dog on lead and retire from the line. Under no circumstances shall the handler be allowed to continue to get the dog to make the retrieve. A pickup dog shall be utilized to retrieve the bird if on water. 51) There will be NO limit of ENTRIES per handler. However, no one will be permitted to hold up the progress of any stake. Handlers will be notified multiple times when they are the last dog to run in a particular stake. After the last dog runs the last handler(s) will be notified that they have 20 minutes to appear. After 20 minutes the judges may scratch the dog, if they chose. 52) The handler must be a BSS member in good standing, or a resident of a BSS member in good standing s household. All handlers are obliged to uphold and abide by the Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Ethics, and Rules and Regulations of the BSS. 53) Dogs selected as test dogs and setup dogs may not be used if they are still in contention in any other stakes. Handlers may not run test or setup dogs in any stake they are running while still in contention. THE BOYKIN SPANIEL SOCIETY DISCOURAGES THE OPEN DISPLAY OF ALCOHOL ON TRIAL GROUNDS. PLEASE NO ALCOHOL UNTIL THE LAST DOG HAS RUN EACH DAY. THANK YOU. 4

5 OPEN CLASS Regulations and Test Requirements Reminder: In addition to the Rules listed below, Section B in its entirety is applicable to this class. 1) Any dog may compete in this class. This field trial test is for the finished dog. Tests in this category must consist of serious tests worthy of the hunter s retriever. Dogs will be tested on their natural ability and training accomplishments. To perform these tests the Open dog must accomplish the tasks required with both style and precision. Dogs must respond promptly to voice or whistle commands and be under control at all times. 2) An open dog is required to come to the line without lead and/or collar. 3) An Open field trial test must include a minimum of four tests, which must include the following: a multiple marked land retrieve, a multiple marked water retrieve and a blind retrieve on both water and land. The blind retrieve should be incorporated within one of the required multiple marked retrieves. The fourth test may be a combination of land/water, a walk up and/or a diversionary bird thrown as the dog is returning to the line from a mark or from a blind. Judges are encouraged to devise additional hunting situations to further test a dogs ability. 4) Maximum test distances are as follows: Land marks not to exceed 100 yards, water marks not to exceed 75 yards, blind retrieves not to exceed 100 yards. 5) Pigeons, ducks, pheasants, or other game birds may be used in this class. Live birds may be used for fly a-ways, shot fliers, and flushed birds except where prohibited. 6) A dog shall be steady at the line, therefore an uncontrolled break will result in disqualification. a. Moderate commands shall be allowed to steady a dog at the line. b. A dog may be touched or patted at the line to steady, but once the ready signal has been given to the judges by the handler, the dog may not be touched again. c. A controlled break shall not fail a dog, but shall be considered a serious fault. As soon as the dog leaves the line and manifests an intent to make the retrieve without being so ordered, it must be stopped. A controlled break will receive a three point deduction. More than one controlled break may result in disqualification. 7) A dog shall deliver all birds to hand without delay. 8) A dog may be handled on marked retrieves with voice/whistle/hand signals, if in the opinion of the handler, the dog can t find or has missed the mark. The dog is being tested for its marking and memory, not handling; however, a crisp cast is preferable to a long hunt. Repeated evidence of lack of memory, marking or lack of control shall be grounds for elimination. Handling on marks requires deductions in points. 9) A dog shall be cast from the line, by its handler, only once. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the judges shall step in and direct the handler to pick up his/her dog. However, if in the judges opinion, the dog exhibits confusion at the line the judges may allow a recast. 10) Handlers will be required to fire a shotgun at the line. All firearms are assumed loaded with live ammunition and must be handled accordingly. Mishandling of firearms will result in immediate disqualification. (See General Rule #33) 11) Tests for this event shall be held in appropriate cover on land and water. 12) Marking tests for this event shall consist of single, double or triple marks on both land and water. a. Quadruple marks shall not be used. b. Judges may not dictate the order in which marked birds are retrieved. c. Dogs may be required to be placed at a point of origin at a distance from the handler. d. Simultaneous falls with birds and shot originating from the same location may not be used. e. Delayed marks or falls may be used. f. Dogs may be required to honor another dog 5

6 13) Dry shots may be fired. A dry shot is defined as a shot for which no bird is thrown or appears. Game calls and additional birds with or without shots may also be used as diversions as a dog returns from a retrieve. A dog that drops and leaves its bird and retrieves the diversion bird shall be failed. (switch) 14) Walk ups to simulate jump shooting may be used in this class. The dog shall be brought to an area designated as the point of origin at heel or under control within ten feet of its handler. The judges may signal for the bird while the handler and dog are walking. 15) Blind retrieves on water and land shall be used. Maximum blind distances shall not exceed 100 yards on land and water. Handling in these tests must be done with precision. The dog must stop on whistle and take a cast. Failure to stop on whistle or take a cast is a serious infraction. The judges must decide on the seriousness of the refusal by taking into account the conditions and situation at hand. a. At least one blind shall be incorporated with the required multiple marked retrieves on both land and water. b. Additional blind retrieves may be incorporated with the required multiple marked retrieves or run alone. 16) Handlers may not point out the bird boy prior to the first bird being thrown. Violation of this section is a major infraction and is grounds for elimination. 17) Switching will result in automatic disqualification. INTERMEDIATE CLASS Regulations and Test Requirements Reminder: In addition to the Rules listed below, Section B in its entirety is applicable to this class. 1) This class will be open to any dog that has not accumulated five (5) points in the Intermediate Class or has not earned a placement ribbon in the Intermediate or a placement of JAM ribbon in the Open Class in any Boykin Spaniel Society National Field Trial prior to the implementation of the five (5) point system in The purpose of the Intermediate field trial test is to bring working dogs to a higher standard of performance. Desire and teamwork with the handler are important factors. They shall consist of tests that enable the judges to evaluate natural ability, training, and handler control. Dogs that have acquired titles in organized sports that utilize regulations similar to the BSS open class must apply in the open stake. One example of this would be an HRCH title with the United Kennel Club s HRC program. 2) An Intermediate dog is required to come to the line without lead and/or collar. 3) An Intermediate field trial test shall consist of a minimum of four (4) tests which must include the following: A double marked land retrieve, a double marked water retrieve and a blind retrieve on land and water. Other tests that may be used include singles, modified doubles, diversions and walk-ups. 4) Maximum test distances are as follows: Land retrieves are not to exceed 75 yards, water retrieves are not to exceed 50 yards and blind retrieves are not to exceed 50 yards. 5) Pigeons and ducks will be used in this class. No live birds will be used in this class. 6) A dog shall be steady at the line; therefore, an uncontrolled break shall result in failure. 7) Moderate commands shall be allowed to steady a dog at the line or point of origin. 8) A dog may be touched or patted at the line to steady, but once the ready signal has been given to the judges by the handler, the dog may not be touched again. 9) A controlled break shall not fail the dog, but it shall be considered a fault. As soon as the dog leaves the line and manifests an intent to make the retrieve without being so ordered, it must be stopped. If the dog is immediately brought under control, it shall be considered a minor infraction. Repeated evidence of this fault may be considered serious and, in the opinion of the judges, an eliminating factor. A controlled break will receive a two point deduction per occurrence. 10) All birds must be delivered to hand. The dog shall return to the handler without delay. 6

7 11) A dog may be handled on marked retrieves with voice/whistle/hand signals, if in the opinion of the handler the dog can t find or has missed the mark. The dog is being tested for its marking and memory, however a crisp cast is preferable to a long hunt. Repeated evidence of lack of memory, marking ability or lack of control may be grounds for elimination. Handling on marks requires point deductions. The amount of deductions is based on the judge s discretion. 12) A dog may be cast from the point of origin only once. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the judges shall step in and direct the handler to pick up his/her dog. However, if in the judge s opinion, the dog exhibits confusion at the point of origin, the judges may allow a recast. 13) Handlers will be required to fire a shotgun with poppers at the line. All firearms are assumed loaded with live ammunition at all times and must be handled accordingly. Handlers must hold the firearm in a safe hunting position. Mishandling of firearms will results in immediate disqualification. (see General Rule #33) 14) Tests for this event shall be held in appropriate cover on land and water. 15) Walk-ups to simulate jump shooting may be used in this class. The dog shall be brought to an area designated as the point of origin at heel or under control within ten feet of its handler. The judges may signal for the bird while the handler and dog are walking. 16) Blind retrieves on land and water will be used in this class, but shall not exceed 50 yards in length through appropriate cover. Dogs may be cast form the point of origin only once. a. Blind retrieves shall not be included with marking tests. The general area of the point of origin for marking tests shall not be used to the point of origin for blind retrieves. b. An Intermediate dog should display a willingness to cooperate with its handler. Handling should be a demonstration of obedience acquired through training and should be scored on the crispness of response. Dogs are expected to stop on the whistle and take a cast. Failure to stop on the whistle or take a cast is serious infraction. Multiple whistle or cast refusals shall be grounds for failure. The judges must decide on the seriousness of the refusal(s) by taking into account the conditions at hand. 17) Judges cannot dictate the order of retrieves on marks. 18) Switching will result in automatic disqualification. NOVICE CLASS Regulations and Test Requirements Reminder: In addition to the rules listed below, Section B in its entirety is applicable to this class. 1) Novice is intended for young and/or inexperienced dogs and will be open to any dog that has not accumulated five (5) points in the Novice Class or has not earned a placement ribbon in the Novice class, a placement or JAM ribbon in the Intermediate class or a placement of JAM ribbon in the Open Class in any Boykin Spaniel Society National Field Trial prior to the implementation of the vive (5) point system in In addition to the above, dogs that have acquired titles in organized sports that utilize regulations similar to the BSS intermediate or open class, must apply in a higher class. One example of this would be an HR or HRCH title in the United Kennel Club s HRC program. 2) A Novice field trial test shall consist of a minimum of four (4) series consisting of single marked retrieves on land and water. The first series shall be a qualifying round including both land and water marks. After the first series, dogs will be called back based on the judge s opinion of who has the best combination of skills to challenge a National Championship Trial. Dogs that pick up the marks in the first series and deliver said birds to their handler may or may not be called back. However these dogs have demonstrated that they are capable hunters and meet the BSS definition of a NOVICE hunting dog. These dogs will receive a Qualifying ribbon. Dogs called into the second and continuing series will be cut as time and judgement require until 7

8 the final series of the trial. 3) Maximum test distances are as follows: Land retrieves are not to exceed 70 yards and water retrieves are not to exceed 60 yards. 4) Tests in this class should be run in moderate cover. 5) Pigeons and ducks are to be sued in this class. 6) A dog should be steady at the line; however, it may have a collar, leash or line around its neck and/or may be held by one hand only to assist in achieving steadiness. Dogs that are restrained in any way shall be penalized a one point deduction per occurrence. Dogs may not be excessively touched at the line. 7) A controlled break shall not fail a dog but shall result in a one point deduction per occurrence. As soon as the dog manifests intent to make the retrieve without being so ordered, it must be stopped. If a dog is immediately brought under control, it shall be considered a controlled break which is a minor infraction in this category. 8) An uncontrolled break shall not fail a dog but shall result in a three point score deduction per occurrence. 9) Handlers are not allowed to point out the bird boys or gunners prior to the bird being thrown. Violation of this section is a major infraction and is grounds for elimination. 10) A Novice dog is not required to deliver to hand, however the dog must deliver the bird within a reasonable radius of the line which is easily accessible to the handler. Therefore, it is not appropriate to require the dog to deliver the bird into a boat of blind. The dog should return to its handler without delay. 11) Novice tests are marking tests, designed to test the dogs natural marking ability. Handling will be counted down. 12) A Novice dog may be cast from the line no more than twice. If the dog is re-cast it shall be marked down. After two unsuccessful attempts, the judges must inform the handler that he/she is no longer in contention. 13) Dogs shall not be required to honor another dog in this class. 14) Diversions and dry shots (i.e., shots for which no bird appears or falls) shall not be allowed. 15) Handlers may be required to carry hunting paraphernalia. Handlers may be required to hold an empty shotgun in the firing position if the handler is not restraining his/her dog. 16) Walk-ups to simulate jump shooting may not be used in the class. 17) Hidden gunners or bird boys are to be used unless they are at the line. Bird boys must use game calls, voice or blank firearms in the field as attention getters prior to the mark being thrown. It is the intent of these regulations to provide the dog with adequate opportunity to focus its attention on the area of the fall. 18) At the discretion of the judges, but not more than once, the gunners and bird boys may be visible in order to simulate specific situations such as dove hunting. 19) Dogs shall not be required to be placed at a point of origin at a distance from the handler. 20) A primer/blank pistol or shotgun with a primer insert will be fired by the judge at the line. The handler, if not restraining his/her dog, may have the option of firing the primer in the shotgun instead of having the judge fire a primer pistol or shotgun from the line. (Handler firing gun will keep in mind gun safety and will face disqualification for unsafe handling of a firearm). A shotgun or pistol firing blanks may be used in this class. 21) The Novice class may be judged by a total of 4 judges. If a 4 judge panel is used, on the first days test, two judges will set up a land test and two will set up a water test. All entries will start on land. All dogs completing their land retrieves will be invited to immediately move to the water series (which will be in close proximity to the land). The third and all subsequent series may be judged by all 4 judges judging together or any combination of judges depending on the number of dogs still remaining. Judges will use the 10 point scoring system with all scores combined after the last series to determine placements, jams and completions. 8

9 PUPPY CLASS Regulations and Test Requirements Reminder: In addition to the rules listed below, Section B in its entirety is applicable to this class. 1) Puppies under twelve months of age on the day the event commences may compete in this class. A dog that becomes twelve months old on the day the event begins cannot be entered in this class. 2) Tests will consist of a minimum of four (4) series, each incorporating simple single marked retrieves. Water retrieves are encouraged, weather permitting, but should not be required under harsh conditions. The field trial committee will determine if water retrieves are allowed on the day of the tests. 3) Maximum test distances are as follows: Land retrieves are not to exceed 50 yards and water retrieves are not to exceed 30 yards. 4) Tests should be run in low or slight cover. 5) Pigeons only are to be used in this class. 6) Pups may be restrained at the line without penalty. 7) Handlers may point out the bird boys prior to the birds being thrown. 8) Pups will not be required to retrieve from a boat or through decoys. In addition, no decoys may be used as distractions. 9) A blank pistol or Poppers will be fired from the line by the judges or their designee. 10) Hand delivery is not required in this class. Pups must, however, deliver the bird within a reasonable radius of the line. Judges should inform handlers at their briefing of their expectations in this regard. 11) Pups may be cast from the line no more than twice. If the pup is re-cast, it shall be marked down. After two unsuccessful attempts, the judges must inform the handler that he/she is no longer in contention. 12) Prior to each mark being thrown, duck calls, voice or blank pistol will be used as an attention getting device. Extra effort should be made to insure pups get a good look at the falls. 13) Dogs will come to the line on lead. 14) Puppy tests are marking tests designed to test the pup s natural marking ability. Handling will receive point deductions. Glossary of Terms Amateur - One who trains dogs for the sheer pleasure of it. Airing Area An area on site to run your dog around and allow it to freely exercise. This is the only area on site where bumpers may be thrown for dogs still in contention. Bank Cheating - When a dog avoids water going to or returning from an item to be retrieved from the water. I.E. runs the bank Baseball - A beginning drill used to teach the dog to take hand signals. A precursor for blinds. Big Hunt - When a dog cannot find a mark and runs all over the field looking for it. Not good. Bird Boy - (BB) The person, male or female, throwing the item for the dog to retrieve. Bitch a female dog to complain until I am sick of hearing it. Blind - The art of guiding a dog to an item it did not see fall, through the use of voice, whistle, and body movements. Break When a dog leaves the line before being commanded to do so. 9

10 Blink - When the dog goes by an item that it has clearly seen and is supposed to have retrieved. The dog runs out to the area of the fall, looks directly at the bumper/bird, then continues to hunt around anyway. Bumper - A plastic or canvas item, usually 2 or 3 inches in diameter, used to train the dog. Available in a wide assortment of colors. White is generally used for marks. Black or Orange Bumpers are generally used for blinds. Call Back - A list provided by the judges prior to the next series in an event. This list denotes those who are invited back to continue participating in the event. Those who do not make the "call back" have been disqualified for some reason. Cast - To give the dog a specific direction through the use of body movements. CEA Collie Eye Anomaly CERF - Canine Eye Registry Foundation. A registry created to evaluate and clear breeding dogs of hereditary eye defects including Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Juvenile Cataracts and Retinal Dysplasia. Channel Blind - A water blind run in an area that, due to the close proximity of the bank on both sides, makes it very tempting for the dog to exit the water and get up on land. Cheating - When a dog avoids cover or obstacles enroute to or returning from an item to be retrieved. Cold - A term used to define the running of a dog on a concept it is familiar with but the exact placement of the item is new to the dog. When we train, we generally run our dogs on "cold" marks and/or blinds. Our dogs know how to mark or run a blind, but they don't know the exact location of this specific mark or blind. Control Break A dog that breaks but is brought promptly under control and back to heal. Diversion - A distraction of some sort, including but not limited to a bird, a shot, a person moving, talking, yelling or walking, etc., done in dog games to test against switching, or dropping. Diversions in dog games are commonly a thrown bird as the dog returns from a retrieve. Sometimes these become part of a delayed mark. Double - Two items a dog sees thrown for it to retrieve. Items are not thrown at the same time. A double, tests the dog's memory as it must pick up one item, return to its handler, then go get the other item and bring it back. DM - Degenerative Myolopothy Dummy Collar - A collar that is the exact duplicate of an e-collar in size, shape, and weight but cannot produce electrical stimulation. E-Collar - A tool used by the trainer and worn by the dog that enables the trainer to make an instant correction from a distance through the use of small amounts of electricity. It is an invaluable training tool when properly used. It is also the FASTEST way to ruin a good dog if improperly used. EIC - Exercise Induced Collapse Fall - (1) (a.k.a. Area of the Fall) - The spot on the ground or water where the item to be retrieved fell. Field Work - Dog training generally conducted away from the area around the kennel, includes concept work or marks and blinds. Flare - When a dog avoids continuing on a straight line on which he was sent due to pressure applied previously in that general area. Force Fetching - (a.k.a., FF, Forcing, Force Breaking, Conditioned Retrieving) Teaching a dog through the use of classical conditioning (stimulus/response) methods to pick up and hold an item until told to release it. Generally accomplished after the adult teeth are in place in the 6-8 month age range. Go Bird - The last item the dog sees thrown. In a multiple mark situation, it is generally the first item a dog will pick up. GRHRCH - Grand Hunting Retriever Champion. A UKC/HRC title denoting that a Retriever has qualified in the annual HRC Grand event. 10

11 Handler - The person releasing the dog to make a retrieve. Hand Signals - A series of hand/arm motions used to indicate to the dog which way you desire it go. Hard Mouth - The action said to occur when a dog uses too much force in picking up or holding a bird. This action renders the bird unfit for human consumption and is a major problem. Hold - A command used during conditioned retrieving by some to insure that the dog knows that he must hold, in his mouth, any object placed there. Hidden Gun - A mark thrown by a BB when the BB is totally concealed from the dogs view. The dog hears a shot or call and sees the item to be retrieved thrown by does not see a BB. Holding Blind - The only spot in the world your dog can lose its mind and you can't do a thing about it. A blind or series of blinds erected prior to the "line" in an effort to keep dogs and handlers available to run the test. Honor - When a dog must observe another dog making a retrieve. An honouring dog should watch the entire sequence of birds decoying, flying, being shot and falling without interfering through sound or motion with the "working dog". HRCH - Hunting Retriever champion an UKC Hunt title. HR - Hunting Retriever an UKC title. ICH 09 Boykin Spaniel Society title indicating Intermediate National Champion 2009 Indent - A term used to identify the placement of a shorter mark in relation to the other marks in the field. A triple is thrown, the first is 200 yards away, the second is 100 yards away, the third is 250 yards away. The second mark is called "indented" because the dog must go long, then short, then long again. Line - (1) The starting point for dog tests, trials, and training. (2) The line segment from Point A to Point B from the starting point of tests, trails, and training (Point A) to the item to be retrieved, be it for marks or blinds (Point B). Line Manners - A term used to describe how a dog acts while sitting at the "line" under judgment. "That dog really pinned that mark, too bad he has the line manners of a pig!" Literal Casting - A cast that, if taken properly, would lead directly to the blind. Mark - An item a dog sees thrown for it to retrieve. Usually a game bird or a training bumper. A foundation task for dogs. Memory Bird - Any item in a multiple mark situation, other than the last item, a dog has seen thrown for it to retrieve. NCH 09 Boykin Spaniel Society title indicating Novice National Champion 2009 Obedience - (OB) THE foundation task for dog training. Comprises a broad spectrum of commands some of which include: Sit, Here, Kennel, Heel, Down. OFA - Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals. An organization which maintains a registry of hip and elbow data to help determine that joint confirmation is ideal and free of hereditary defects. Typical OFA hip ratings, in order of preference are: Excellent and Good followed by Fair. Initially spawned in an effort to curb the prevalence of Hip Dysplasia occurring in many large breed dogs. OCH 09 Boykin Spaniel Society title indicating Open National Champion 2009 Pattern Field - A series of bumpers placed in the same location every time, generally in the shape of a (T) or a double (T) where two lines, separated by yards intersect the center line. Used to teach handling skills to dogs. PennHip - An alternative registry/database to OFA. This method utilizes a "predictive test" testing the "play" or joint looseness by manipulating a joint to measure looseness. While not a commonly accepted as the OFA, PennHip is considered by some advocates to be more predictive of future issues. PennHip scores ratings on a "living percentile" rating current tests against the existing database of previously analyzed animals. 11

12 Pointing out BB s: Any overt act that may incline a dog to look in the direction of the bird boys. I.E laying the gun along the dogs head prior to the throw, placing your hand next to the dogs head prior to the throw. Poison Bird - A mark the dog must ignore to successfully complete the assigned task, usually a blind. It is fairly common in the FT and upper levels of HT games to see this concept. It's called "poison" because, in a Test, if the dog picks it up, it might as well be dead because it will be out of competition. Pop - When a dog stops and looks back to the handler for guidance or direction without being commanded. PCH 09 Boykin Spaniel Society title indicating Puppy National Champion 2009 Professional - One who is paid for training dogs. Premium - A notice sent out by the Club holding an event. This notice usually includes the time/date/place of stakes being held, entry cost, Judges names, directions and other information concerning the event. RN - Boykin Spaniel Society Retriever Novice title RI - Boykin Spaniel Society Retriever Intermediate title RO - Boykin Spaniel Society Retriever Open title Roustabout a side game where several birds are hidden in a large field in areas unknown to the handler. The hander then must take his gun and dog, flush the birds, shoot them and retrieve them. The handler and dog that does this the quickest with the least shells wins. Steady - (steadiness) The term used to describe when a dog sees a bird or birds fall while remaining in the position commanded by the handler. A steady dog should remain steady until commanded to do otherwise by the handler. Usually, a steady dog, commanded to do otherwise is told to complete the retrieve with a "go" command. Switch - A dog is sent to mark, establishes a hunt, then leaves that area and establishes a hunt in the area of another fall. Switch may also apply to a dog that drops a bird in order to pick up the diversion bird. Suction The effect of terrain, decoys, wind, etc. that may cause a dog to deviate from a straight line to the marks or blinds. Tight Hunt - When the dog runs directly to the area of the fall and after a short hunt in a small area directly around the fall, finds the item. Triple - Three items a dog sees thrown for it to retrieve. Items are not thrown at the same time. A triple tests the dog's memory as it must pick up one item, return to its handler, then go get the other item, bring it back, then go get the third item and bring it back. Two-Down-The-Shore - Generally, a water double thrown so as after picking up the go bird, the dog must swim by the go bird fall area and pick up the memory bird. This is a tougher concept than it sounds and is a basic concept for advance dog work. UH - Upland Hunter a UKC title. Quad - Same as for double and triple only now you are throwing four items. Not allowed at BSS events. UN Boykin Spaniel Society Upland Novice title UI - Boykin Spaniel Society Upland Intermediate title UO - Boykin Spaniel Society Upland Open title Under-The-Arc - When the line to a blind takes the dog between a mark and the BB who has thrown that mark, the dog is said to have run "under-the-arc." UNCH 12 BSS title indicating Upland Novice National Champion 2012 UICH 12 BSS title indicating Upland Intermediate National Champion 2012 UOCH 12 BSS title indicating Upland Open National Champion

13 Walk Up - A mark or marks that occur while the dog is in motion, progressing with the handler. A typical walk-up will expect the dog to cease progress upon the first mark and shot, usually in a sitting position, and to remain there until all marks have fallen and the handler commands the retriever to pick up a mark. Yard Work - The term used to describe any number of drills that can be done in and around the kennel area. Baseball and OB are but two examples 13